Summer of '69
By Elin Hilderbrand
- Release Date: 2019-06-18
- Genre: Fiction & Literature
Description
Four siblings experience the drama, intrigue, and upheaval of the '60s summer when everything changed in Elin Hilderbrand's #1 New York Times bestselling historical novel.
Welcome to the most tumultuous summer of the twentieth century. It's 1969, and for the Levin family, the times they are a-changing. Every year the children have looked forward to spending the summer at their grandmother's historic home in downtown Nantucket. But like so much else in America, nothing is the same: Blair, the oldest sister, is marooned in Boston, pregnant with twins and unable to travel. Middle sister Kirby, caught up in the thrilling vortex of civil rights protests and determined to be independent, takes a summer job on Martha's Vineyard. Only-son Tiger is an infantry soldier, recently deployed to Vietnam. And thirteen-year-old Jessie suddenly feels like an only child, marooned in the house with her out-of-touch grandmother and her worried mother, while each of them hides a troubling secret.
As the summer heats up, Ted Kennedy sinks a car in Chappaquiddick, man flies to the moon, and Jessie and her family experience their own dramatic upheavals along with the rest of the country. In her first historical novel, rich with the details of an era that shaped both a nation and an island thirty miles out to sea, Elin Hilderbrand once again earns her title as queen of the summer novel.
Reviews
Good read
5By JudeTheArtistI was 16 in ‘69 so I could imagine myself there. I liked the brushes up against history. Some sad moments but in a good way. Good story.Interesting summer 1969
5By ? Not sureBeing 17 in 1969, I loved the history of events in that summer. I loved the characters as well as the setting of the book. It was an enjoyable read.Twin to twin
5By WBW TrashI discovered Elin’s books just this summer and have already finished my 4th one. “The summer of 69” really hit home. I’m a fraternal twin as well and was born the same decade as Elin. My older brother was also in Vietnam at that time so the book rang true. She nailed it! So many memories flooded back!Great story
5By sel2889Lovedddd it!!Absolutely a must read
5By KateW65I can’t even into words about how good this book is. You have to read for yourself. I absolutely loved itGreat read!
5By jjjjjjj5555555This is one of those books that you don’t want to see end. I already miss the characters and the story. Will mark it for a reread someday.28 summer’s
5By Dax58Another great read. I love her books about my favorite town of Nantucket.Summer of 69
5By monnie49Loved it. Brought back memories of that year.Summer of 69
1By Book jacketToo much info dump and characters you never really get to know. Also, a few sentences repeated on same page the editor missed. This book could have been a prize winner if written better. Overall I had to skim parts that were too redundant or extraneous. I did not enjoy this book. I will not read anymore of her books.Decent read
3By DgdaisyThere were a lot of characters and no real plot. Not my favorite but glad I read it.A disappointment
1By HowetocutAwfulSummer of 69
5By Amylynn62675Loved this book so much!!Understanding 1969 and so much more
5By Mari of LindenI loved this book! Opened up my eyes to what went on in 1969 when I was a ten year old girl. Things make sense to me now. I highly recommend this fabulous look into the past and how it can relate to the present day as well.Good summer read
4By Sth yoga girlLoved reading about this family! I didn’t want it to end.Almost really good
3By Nancy Pants 2I couldn’t put this book down. It was great for about 90-95% of the book. The last couple of chapters were a disappointment. All of a sudden, it turned into a Hallmark movie in need of editing. It reads like the author got in a hurry all of a sudden. Darn.Summer of 1969
5By ChristieVIMy favorite of Elin Hildebrand’s books so far— more substance! Excellently written and a clear step above the rest. Now I am anticipating her next novel set on St. John in the U.S. Virgin Islands.Great Summer Read
3By SyteacherEnjoyed it! For someone who was a little younger than Kirby in 1969, this brought back so many memories.Come Together
5By Jen from the StarsHer very best book, in my opinion. Textured and emotionally accurate for the era, this story captures the essence of 1969 in the small ways the culturally significant events became woven into the lives of people of all ages, all varieties. The connections forged, the hope, the fear and the angst all become characters in this beautifully told story. I miss them already.Summer of 69
5By Lin z BI loved this book! I was 16 that summer....young, in love and blissfully unaware of all the turmoil our country was going through. This book brought back memories of that summer....Watching the moon landing with my boyfriend, hearing the nightly news and not really understanding the history being made. Looking back 50 years I now understand what an important part of history that year was. I love the way the author intertwined history into this family’s story. It was emotional memories for me. Thank you!
